For the millions of East Coast residents that are waiting for their power to be restored post hurricane Sandy they may find out that their electronics and other electrically connected devices are damaged when the lights come back on. Imagine the rush of water through a hose when it is first turned on. This is what happens when power is restored. This rush is what causes the damage to your sensitive electronic devices.
Homeowners should consider unplugging sensitive devices and making sure that other equipment is turned to the "off" position or possibly tripping breakers that power specific equipment in their home to the "off" position until after the power has been fully restored. Leave a few household light switches in the "on" position to indicate when the power has been restored. Only when you are confident that the utility workers have finished working in your area should you then plug in and power your more sensitive devices. During mass grid failures like this the power might be restored temporarily only for it to go off again soon after to correct an underlying grid problem that causes another failure.
Consider whole home surge protection as a cost effective solution to prevent power surge damage to your electrical equipment.
